Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, social security number, date of birth, or other identifying information without authority to commit fraud. It is estimated that one out of every 27 consumers was a victim of identity theft in 2006.*

As your financial institution, First Bank is providing complimentary identity theft coverage along with steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of becoming an identity theft victim.

As a First Bank personal checking account holder, you automatically receive:

  • Up to $5,000 Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement Coverage** — for expenses associated with clearing your name and repairing damaged credit
  • An ID Theft Recovery Kit — to aid in the restoration of your identity
  • Toll-free access to consumer fraud specialists who can assist you through the process of reclaiming your identity
  • Online Identity Theft News Center
  • Debit and credit card registration 

12 Steps To Help Prevent ID Theft

1. Remove your name from pre-screened credit offers at optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688.

2. Add your telephone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

3. Remove your name from individual Direct Mail Association member mailing lists at dmachoice.org.

4. Place an alert on your credit file. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. Placing a fraud alert with the Equifax Fraud Alerts System automatically places a fraud alert on your file with Experian and TransUnion. To do so, call 1-800-525-6285 or visit Equifax.

If you are on active military duty, place an active duty alert on your credit files. If someone applies for credit in your name, the creditors will take extra precaution to make sure the applicant is not someone pretending to be you.

  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

5. Request your free credit report. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com (1-877-322-8228) an Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

6. Request your Innovis Data Solutions credit report and place a fraud alert on you Innovis credit file by calling 1-800-540-2505. Innovis Data Solutions does not participate in sharing this information with the other three nationwide credit bureaus.

7. Check your Social Security Statement of Earnings and Benefits once each year to make sure no one else is using your Social Security Number for employment. Visit ssa.gov/mystatement to request a copy.

8. Register your email address to receive free email reminders every 90 days to renew your fraud alerts and free email reminders every 365 days to reorder your credit reports under the free annual credit report program, and to reorder your Social Security Statement. Register at protectme247.com.

9. Safeguard your wallet or purse. Don't carry Social Security cards, birth certificates, or passports with you unless absolutely necessary. Don't carry extra credit cards. If you carry a health care card, look to see if your Social Security number is being used as your ID number. If it is, ask if it can be changed.

10. Protect your debit and credit cards at protectme247.com. To update your registration or cancel lost or stolen cards, call 1-866-210-0361.

11. Avoid using unsecured mailboxes. Deposit your outgoing mail containing personally identifying information in post office collection boxes or at your local post office. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up the mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 or online at usps.gov to request a vacation hold of mail delivery.

12. Stay informed by visiting the online Identity Theft News Center. View the Federal Trade Commission video and read recent articles regarding identity theft at protectme247.com

*2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research

**Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement Master Policy underwritten by Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America and its property casualty affiliates, Hartford, CT 06183. Coverage of all claims or losses depends on actual policy provisions. Availability of coverage can depend on our underwriting qualifications and state regulations. Coverage not available for residents of New York.

INSURANCE PRODUCT: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.